THIS is the first summer in two years that we've been able to celebrate weddings, birthdays and other special occasions all together so it seems like a fitting time to pull out one of your best party dresses.
But, with such a long break from socialising in bigger groups, it may have felt remiss to add a going out dress to your wardrobe so we wouldn't blame you if you looked in your wardrobe and thought the age old classic: 'I have nothing to wear'.
This is where we come in. From mini-dresses to maxi-dresses, off-the-shoulder to strapless, there are designs to suit everyone for any party and we've sorted through to create an edit of our favourites so you can find your perfect fit.
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1. Reiss rita open-back satin midi dress
- Reiss rita open-back satin midi dress, £245 from Selfridges – buy here
This stunning satin dress is the perfect fit for a wedding or a party where it's worth dressing up a little bit. The halter neck exaggerates the length of your neck and the swishing fabric is perfect for spinning around a la Kylie Minogue.
2. Never Fully Dressed pink rosie dress
- Never Fully Dressed pink rosie dress, £89 from Never Fully Dressed – buy here
If you've got any garden parties coming up this summer (or an outdoor wedding) then you need this in your wardrobe. The pink is a bold colour but the dropped hemline and off-the-shoulder neckline makes it feel smart casual.
3. Nasty Gal chainmail cowl neck relaxed mini dress
- Nasty Gal chainmail cowl neck relaxed mini dress, £79.20 from Nasty Gal – buy here
This sparkly green number from Nasty Gal is just waiting to be worn out out. With a high slit and cowl neck, it screams disco.
4. Asos Design scoop neck midi satin slip dress
- Asos Design scoop neck midi satin slip dress, £28 from Asos – buy here
You can never go wrong with a little black dress and this is one that is not only perfect for a plethora of occasions, it's also under £30. Yes please.
5. Grace Karin 1950s vintage dinner dance party dress
- Grace Karin 1950s vintage dinner dance party dress, £24.99 from Amazon – buy here
For our bustier ladies out there, this 50s style bodycon dress is figure hugging and sexy without being too sexy. It comes in a huge 34 colours so you can find one that suits you.
6. River Island bronze sequin bodycon midi dress
- River Island bronze sequin bodycon midi dress, £150 from River Island – buy here
Is it just us or does this dress from River Island feel very Love Island? And not in a bad way. In a 'once I wear this everyone will be wearing it' kind of way. The high slit is very Bella Hadid and the sequins are a statement that say 'I'm going to have fun tonight'.
7. Chi Chi London one-shoulder floral-print woven midi dress
- Chi Chi London one-shoulder floral-print woven midi dress, £95.20 from Selfridges – buy here
Slightly 80s, this one shoulder floral dress has a puff sleeve for added interest. The print is unique and you can be fairly sure that whatever party you go to, you're going to be the only one wearing this standout dress.
8. Beshka ruched bandeau corset dress
- Beshka ruched bandeau corset dress, £39.99 from Asos – buy here
Perfect for a club, this strapless little black dress can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorise. Dress it up with bold accessories or dress it down with a denim jacket and some trainers.
9. House of CB jamille corset crepe midi dress
- House of CB jamille corset crepe midi dress, £139 from Selfridges – buy now
Wear this fuschia midi dress to any wedding you've got coming up this year and you'll be the best dressed one there – except for the bride of course.
Pair with a minimalist handbag for extra chicness.
10. Roman Originals abstract print high neck midi dress
- Roman Originals abstract print high neck midi dress, £25 from Amazon – buy here
A lovely mixture of beachy but dressy, this floaty dress would be a great option to reach for if you've got a fairly casual birthday dinner or something in a garden.
11. Asos Edition wrap bodice midi dress with full skirt in lemon
- Asos Edition wrap bodice midi dress with full skirt in lemon, £110 from Asos – buy here
One thing's for sure, with this dress you're not going to get bitten by mosquitos. With long sleeves and a big, draping skirt, this eye catching dress is perfect for wedding guests.
12. Karen Millen linear crystal embellished maxi knit dress
- Karen Millen linear crystal embellished maxi knit dress, £127.20 from Karen Millen – buy here
The crystal embellished maxi knit dress from Karen Millen will make you feel like your most powerful self.
Wear to the club, drinks or a fancy dinner and feel like a queen with cool puff sleeves and crystals sewn tastefully down the length of the dress.
13. Belle Poque fifties style short sleeve v neck pencil dress
- Belle Poque fifties style short sleeve v neck pencil dress, £30.99 from Amazon – buy here
If you've got a cocktail evening coming up, then this is a flamboyant cocktail dress.
Bodycon and in that fifties style, the draping cap sleeves gives it an elegance that would fit right in at the swankiest of parties.
14. Lavish Alice asymmetric woven midi dress
- Lavish Alice asymmetric woven midi dress, £98 from Selfridges – buy here
This dress from Lavish Alice is classy and also smart casual. The off-the-shoulder neckline gives it an elegance that can be accentuated by accessories but the fit of the dress feels modern.
15. Asos Design tiered midi dress in blue
- Asos Design tiered midi dress in blue, £42 from Asos – buy here
This is a standout dress. In a beautiful lilac, it is an interesting shape that is at once relaxed and dressy.
If you want to be the centre of attention at your next part, then add this to your wardrobe.
16. Whistles adeline frilled trimmed woven midi dress
- Whistles adeline frilled trimmed woven midi dress, £169 from Selfridges – buy here
Demure and elegant, this beautifully cut dress from Whistles is smart but comfortable.
Probably not one for the club but it would fit right in at a wedding.
17. AMhomely long sleeve round neck casual party dress
- AMhomely long sleeve round neck casual party dress, £16.99 from Amazon – buy here
Bold and kaleidoscopic, this dress from Amazon is only £16.99 and comes in 20 colour patterns. We'll take them all thank you.
18. Vesper plunge front midi pencil dress in blush pink
- Vesper plunge front midi pencil dress in blush pink, £62 from Asos – buy here
This one's figure hugging so is one that's going to beautifully show off all your curves.
The diamond shaped neck line adds some interest to what is otherwise a classic party dress.
19. UO ditsy strawberry print mallory cowl slip midi dress
- UO ditsy strawberry print mallory cowl slip midi dress, £42 from Urban Outfitters – buy here
A casual dress that can easily be dressed up, it's comfortable and easy to wear.
Pair with trainers for everyday or dress up with accessories and heels for special occasions.
20. Chi Chi London elmaya floral-print woven midi dress
- Chi Chi London elmaya floral-print woven midi dress, £70 from Selfridges – buy here
We love a high low hemline because it immediately says elegant. This strapless one from Chi Chi London blends together an interesting cut with an interesting pattern. Party perfect.
21. Hope & Ivy cold shoulder satin midi dress in red and pink floral
- Hope & Ivy cold shoulder satin midi dress in red and pink floral, £75 from Asos – buy here
If you want to wear off-the-shoulder but are a bit nervous it might just fall down (a completely rational fear) then this cold shoulder dress from Hope & Ivy could solve that problem.
With little spaghetti straps that keep the dress in place it works with the cap sleeves to give a off-the-shoulder feel.
22. Homeyee lace sleeve swing pleated party cocktail dress
- Homeyee lace sleeve swing pleated party cocktail dress, £30.99 from Amazon – buy here
A party classic – lace sleeves. Safe and pretty, everyone needs a dress like this in their wardrobe.
23. Asos Design strappy twist detail mini dress
- Asos Design strappy twist detail mini dress, £56 from Asos – buy here
Think you can handle cobalt? We do. This beautiful colour comes on a laid back dress that says 'I'm dressing up but I don't really care that I'm dressing up.'
What's cooler than that?
24. AMhomely v-neck long sleeve party dress
- AMhomely v-neck long sleeve party dress, £18.99 from Amazon – buy here
Another figure-hugging dress, the design of this dress cinches in the waist and accentuates the bust. Great for a classier night out.
25. Angel-fashions vintage evening dress
- Angel-fashions vintage evening dress, £62.98 from Amazon – buy here
Got a Gatsby themed party coming up? We've found the perfect dress. Wearing this gown from Angel-fashions will make you feel like you've just stepped out of the 1920s – minus the tassels.
Where to buy party dresses
This depends on what you're looking for but good places to start are online retailers Amazon and Asos.
For more luxe options, try department store websites like Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
How to dress for a casual party
If going all out isn't for you then dress down your party outfit with minimal accessories or flat shoes.
Opt for simple hair and make-up if you want to go extra casual.
What shoes to wear with a party dress
What shoes you wear can depend on a number of things including the occasion and venue.
For something more casual or outside, opt for flats like loafers or trainers but if it's dressy go all out with a pair of heels.
Somewhere in the middle? Go for a pair of high heeled boots.
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